Russia-Ukraine live: NATO urges Allies to boost Defence spending

Russia's war in Ukraine has killed tens of thousands of people and driven millions of others from their homes

NATO has urged its allies to boost their defense spending amidst the growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The ongoing conflict between the two countries has been a major source of concern for the international community, and NATO is no exception. In this article, we will take a closer look at the latest developments in the conflict and the implications for NATO and its allies.

Background of the Conflict

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine dates back to 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea, a Ukrainian territory. The move was widely condemned by the international community, and the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for the territorial integrity of Ukraine to be respected. Since then, the conflict has escalated, with pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine declaring independence and fighting against the Ukrainian government.

The Conflict Intensifies

The conflict has recently intensified, with Ukraine accusing Russia of amassing troops along its border. Russia has denied any involvement, but NATO and its allies remain concerned about the situation. The US, UK, and other NATO members have expressed support for Ukraine, with some sending military aid to help in its fight against the separatists.

NATO Urges Allies to Boost Defense Spending

In response to the escalating conflict, NATO has urged its allies to boost their defense spending. The organization has long been concerned about the lack of investment in defense by some of its members, and the recent developments in Ukraine have highlighted the need for increased military capabilities.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has called on all allies to meet the 2% of GDP target for defense spending. Currently, only nine out of the 30 NATO members meet this target, with the US and UK being the largest spenders. Stoltenberg has also emphasized the need for more investment in new capabilities such as cyber and space, as well as increasing readiness for any potential threats.

Implications for NATO and its Allies

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has significant implications for NATO and its allies. If the situation escalates, there is a risk of a wider conflict involving other countries. NATO has a collective defense policy, which means that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members. This policy has been put into practice in the past, such as during the Gulf War in 1991.

The ongoing conflict also highlights the importance of NATO's deterrence capabilities. NATO has been investing in new capabilities such as missile defense and intelligence gathering to deter potential adversaries. The recent developments in Ukraine serve as a reminder that NATO must continue to invest in these capabilities to ensure the security of its members.

Conclusion

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a major source of concern for the international community, and NATO and its allies are no exception. The recent developments in the conflict have highlighted the need for increased defense spending and investment in new capabilities. NATO's collective defense policy and deterrence capabilities are crucial for ensuring the security of its members in the face of potential threats.